Axegod
Well-Known Member
Hello,
I have been searching for all kinds of options for making or buying a grain mill. I make 10 G batches, so a corona mill didn't seem like a good option if I could not adjust the crush. And $180 seemed to much for a barley crusher type mill (not to mention customs and shipping).
I made a mill in 15 mins. The rollers were $9 each, with about $6 in misc. metal fasteners, and scrap plywood.
So, I took some good advice and went to Princess Auto and bought two 18 inch long 2.5" diameter magentic rollers that had a slight gnarl to them.
Here is how I made it:
Adjusted the crush by putting two 3/64" drill bits as spacers. I then tapped the axles with a hammer to get an indent in the wood. I drilled as per the indentations. I cut two pieces to the same length and used the existing holes as pilot holes for the other board. I then took 4 metal fasteners that fitted the axles and tapped into the holes. I inserted the rollers into the metal holes and then fastened the two boards with some more wood. The rollers are now boxed between the boards....Then I hooked up the drill.
And guess what ....it works !!! The crush is almost identical to the posted picture by the Rocq. Rocq did a great job - excellent workmanship !
So, I could use mine in a pinch...but this was just the mock-up. My spacing was off...it actually turned out to be 1/16"....mine also didn't have a hopper and was not adjustable. I also got some slivers
I encourage anyone who can...and who is cheap like me to try this set up. (and of course improve on it).
I will use HD plastic for my real mill, router out the holes, and of course make a hopper. I will also make it adjustable. I was thinking of fastening the rollers so the are on separate pieces of plastic. The drill roller will be firmly attached to the base. The dead roller will then slide slightly along 2 parallel and horizontal pins. Very thin washers will then act as spacers. Once I get the required spacing, I will then fasten the dead roller set up to the base.
Cheers.
I have been searching for all kinds of options for making or buying a grain mill. I make 10 G batches, so a corona mill didn't seem like a good option if I could not adjust the crush. And $180 seemed to much for a barley crusher type mill (not to mention customs and shipping).
I made a mill in 15 mins. The rollers were $9 each, with about $6 in misc. metal fasteners, and scrap plywood.
So, I took some good advice and went to Princess Auto and bought two 18 inch long 2.5" diameter magentic rollers that had a slight gnarl to them.
Here is how I made it:
Adjusted the crush by putting two 3/64" drill bits as spacers. I then tapped the axles with a hammer to get an indent in the wood. I drilled as per the indentations. I cut two pieces to the same length and used the existing holes as pilot holes for the other board. I then took 4 metal fasteners that fitted the axles and tapped into the holes. I inserted the rollers into the metal holes and then fastened the two boards with some more wood. The rollers are now boxed between the boards....Then I hooked up the drill.
And guess what ....it works !!! The crush is almost identical to the posted picture by the Rocq. Rocq did a great job - excellent workmanship !
So, I could use mine in a pinch...but this was just the mock-up. My spacing was off...it actually turned out to be 1/16"....mine also didn't have a hopper and was not adjustable. I also got some slivers
I encourage anyone who can...and who is cheap like me to try this set up. (and of course improve on it).
I will use HD plastic for my real mill, router out the holes, and of course make a hopper. I will also make it adjustable. I was thinking of fastening the rollers so the are on separate pieces of plastic. The drill roller will be firmly attached to the base. The dead roller will then slide slightly along 2 parallel and horizontal pins. Very thin washers will then act as spacers. Once I get the required spacing, I will then fasten the dead roller set up to the base.
Cheers.